Heavy Odds Against a Trout 



switched a few times through the air 

 to throw off its superabundant mois- 

 ture, a judicious cast made just above 

 the rising fish, and the fly allowed to 

 float toward and over them, and the 

 chances are ten to one that it will be 

 seized as readily as a living insect. 

 This dry-fly, we must remark, should 

 be an imitation of the natural fly on 

 which the trout are feeding, because 

 if widely different the fish, instead of 

 being allured, would most likely be 

 surprised and startled at the novelty 

 presented, and would suspend feeding 

 until the appearance of their favorite 

 and familiar prey. 



"We mention this as an illustration 

 of the importance of imitating action, 

 and must not be understood to recom- 

 mend the constantly substituting of a 

 dry-fly for a wet one, over every rising 

 fish. Better, as a general rule, when 



[195] 



